<p>“although my counselor did say that Harvard accepts 30% of the people who “win” vs only 7% of worldwide applicants.”</p>
<p>Your counselor is mis-informed. The book prizes are awarded by local Harvard clubs to keep their names afloat at select area high schools.</p>
<p>From this website: [Post.Harvard:</a> Clubs/Prizebook](<a href=“http://post.harvard.edu/clubs/html/prizebook.shtml]Post.Harvard:”>http://post.harvard.edu/clubs/html/prizebook.shtml)</p>
<p>"Harvard Prize Books are presented annually in more than 1,900 high schools around the world. To establish a Prize Book award in a local high school, a Harvard Club or club member need only contribute the cost of one book. Participating Harvard Clubs should contact the local high school principal and guidance counselor to introduce the program and to select the student to receive the award. "</p>
<p>It’s really PR for the local Harvard club. It has no bearing whatsoever on Harvard Admissions. </p>
<p>I can bet you the inner city HS never gets a Harvard Book Prize…</p>